Rooms

Halloween ideas and activities full of terror to do in Jamaica

It’s one thing to visit a theme park haunted house, take part in a Halloween festival or even trick or treat through your neighborhood and come across friendly ghosts and goblins. But it’s a very different experience to visit a real haunted mansion, take a tour that is steeped in morbid history, and encounter people who refuse to mention evil spirits by name for fear they will awaken them.

That’s the difference between Halloween in Jamaica and how to celebrate it in the US. While Mexico has adopted much of the American Halloween celebrations to go along with its Day of the Dead traditions, Jamaica has resisted the holiday to a large degree. The most likely reason? The Jamaican culture is still entrenched in more chilling view of spirits and ghosts. And that makes for a Halloween trip that is as authentic as it can be terrifying.

Evil spirits still exist deep in the conscious of many Jamaicans and awakening them is not looked upon too kindly. If you are looking for a getaway from trick or treating and costumes this Halloween, Moon Palace Jamaica is your jumping off point for experiencing the real world of the occult in Jamaica.

Murderous Witch Takes Revenge

Take for example the wildly popular Rose Hall Estate and White Witch Tour. By day, the mansion on Jamaica’s northern coast stands as a sterling example of the island’s rich architecture and natural beauty. But at night, one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations becomes a ghoulish reminder of darker times.

According to legend, the spirit of Annie Palmer, a Haitian born voodoo practitioner, haunts the grounds as the White Witch. She murdered her first husband, John Palmer, and his two successors. She also murdered a multitude of her own slaves.

Although it is said that her reign of terror was eventually ended by the same slaves she mistreated, she is believed to still haunt the grounds. Photos of a ghostly apparition believed to be Annie adorn the entrance hall.

Rose Hall Estate is easily accessible from Moon Palace Jamaica. Talk to your Palace Vacation Planners to set up the tour.

Morbid History of the Martha Brae River

Then there is the legend of the old witch who lived on the banks of the River Matiberon before being captured by Spanish explorers in the 16 th Century. She was forced to direct them to the location of hidden treasure. Instead, she led them into a cave and then disappeared leaving them to parish on what would come to be known as the Marth Brae River.

Today, traveling down the river on a bamboo raft led by a tour guide is among the most popular tours on the island and is a great day trip experience from Moon Palace Jamaica. Just expect to feel chills as your guide recounts the story of the witch while you pass through the eerie beauty of the Marth Brae.

Duppy Comes Calling

On the interior of the island, another kind of ghost has the attention of the locals – the duppy. Although this legend is popular on numerous Caribbean islands, the fascination in Jamaica remains palpable to this day. The duppy is a malevolent spirit that takes various forms, including a “Rolling Calf,” “Three-footed horse,” and a shapeshifting witch called “Old Higue.”

Discussing duppy with local can be tricky as they will often avoid saying the word or laugh it off hoping to change the subject.

Resort to Fun

Once you’ve experienced Jamaica’s real ghost stories you might be yearning for a traditional Halloween celebration. Luckily, Moon Palace Jamaica, has a number of holiday-themed events where you can have fun without dealing with the island’s real spirits and ghosts.

Ranks among the best resorts in all destinations

#1 The Grand at Moon Palace

#1 Isla Mujeres Palace

#2 Le Blanc Spa Resort

#3 Le Blanc Los Cabos

#4 Cozumel Palace

#4 Sun Palace

#5 Playacar Palace

#6 Moon Palace Jamaica

#11 Beach Palace

#30 Moon Palace Cancun

PALACE RESORTS

BJRD

Wilmington, North Carolina

Excellent entertainment staff

We spent a week at Beach Palace, Cancun with our family. The entertainment staff kept us busy and entertained all week. Pool volleyball, Zumba and yoga. Trivia games every day and lots of nightly entertainment. Fun for kids and adults.

Tahira R

Bradford, United Kingdom

Fantastic Hotel

It’s the first time we have visited Cancun and stayed at the Sun Palace Hotel, we will definitely be going back again. I couldn’t have asked for a better hotel. It was just truly amazing. The food was great. The hotel staff were so polite and friendly.

Art H

Bluffton, South Carolina

Moon Palace All Inclusive

Wow! What a week this Is truly a five star resort. If I heard it from one, I heard it from all servers, "Its my pleasure to serve you". The resort's rooms were upscale and the food and food service was five star. We will definitely go back next year.

Lizzieoneill

Altinkum, Turkey

Wow! What a hotel

Amazing, staff are wonderful and the beds are so so comfortable, I'm trying to find out what the mattress is so I buy one! I will definitely be back! Oh and try the Bob Marley cocktails (yeah man).

Harry S

Lee's Summit, Missouri

Amazing Resort!

I have stayed at many very nice hotels, but the Le Blanc Spa Resort is my new favorite. This hotel is indeed worthy of their Five Diamond rating! The overall service at the Le Blanc is EXTRAORDINARY! From the pool servers to the butlers, we never waited for anything!